The holidays are right around the corner, and there’s something truly magical about this time of year in Minneapolis and the Metro area. Between the cozy glow of twinkle lights, the scent of our beautiful evergreens, and the joy of giving, our local communities shine brightest when we gather, give back, and support the small businesses that make this area feel like home.
We’ve rounded up a few favorite holiday events, local shopping destinations, and volunteer opportunities to help you celebrate the season with intention.
🎄 Holiday Events to Add to Your Calendar
Nordic Village at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
📍 Downtown Minneapolis | Opening Celebration: Saturday, November 1, 2025 | 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Step into a rooftop winter wonderland at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, where the Nordic Village returns for its fourth year of cozy charm and elevated dining. This year introduces The Lodge—a new, cabin-style bar serving Nordic-inspired food and drink in the heart of the city.
Guests can enjoy heated private cabins, panoramic skyline views, and a curated winter menu featuring favorites like Swedish meatballs and cedar plank salmon.
The Opening Celebration on November 1 welcomes the public for a day of local vendors, music, and complimentary welcome drinks. Weekend Winter Markets will also run from November 1 through December 21, showcasing local artisans and makers—perfect for early holiday shopping.
Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a festive gathering, or a weekend staycation, Nordic Village captures the cozy sophistication that makes Minneapolis magical in winter.
More info → Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis
Light Up the Lake – Wayzata
📍 Downtown Wayzata | Friday, November 21, 2025, from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
This beloved lakeside tradition officially kicks off the holiday season in Wayzata. Enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, live music, reindeer, warm treats, and the town lighting ceremony — plus the parade of lights that reflects beautifully over Lake Minnetonka.
It’s a charming evening to spend with friends or family and take in the spirit of the season.
More details → wayzata.org
MN Christmas Market – Union Depot, St. Paul
📍 Saturday, November 22, 2025
For those who love to shop early and shop with purpose, the MN Christmas Market features local makers and artisans from across Minnesota. Every purchase supports small businesses and 7% of proceeds benefit charities fighting for kids in need across the state.
Learn more → mnchristmasmarket.com
A Christmas Carol – Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
📍 Select dates in November & December
A Twin Cities holiday classic. The Guthrie’s production of A Christmas Carol is a cherished tradition for many Minneapolis families. It’s a wonderful way to spend a cozy evening downtown before heading to a festive dinner or skating at the Depot.
See the calendar → mplsdowntown.com
Minneapolis Christkindl Market – North Loop Green
📍 North Loop, Minneapolis | Fridays–Sundays, November 21 – December 21, 2025
See the North Loop Green transformed into a festive, European-inspired holiday market complete with twinkling lights, wooden vendor huts, live music, and the cozy scent of mulled wine.
Enjoy local shopping, seasonal food, and family-friendly activities that make the Christkindl Market a new Minneapolis holiday favorite.
🎶 Fridays 4–9 p.m. | Saturdays 11 a.m.–9 p.m. | Sundays 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
More details → northloopgreen.com
4th Annual Tree Lighting at The Nordic – North Loop
📍 Wednesday, December 4, 2025 | 5–7 p.m.
Celebrate the start of December with live music, Cardigan donuts, hot drinks, Santa, elves, and reindeer at The Nordic’s annual tree lighting celebration.
This free, family- and pet-friendly event brings a cozy touch of holiday spirit to the heart of the North Loop.
Event info → thenordicmn.com
🛍 Shop Small, Shop Local
Supporting small businesses isn’t just about finding unique gifts — it’s about keeping our communities vibrant, personal, and full of heart. Here are a few favorites that never disappoint in search of the perfect gift:
The Dayton’s Project Holiday Market – Downtown Minneapolis
📍 700 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis | Nov 17 to Dec 27
📍 Also located on select dates in Edina at Southdale Center | See Dates Here
Step inside the historic Dayton’s building and experience a modern take on a classic Minneapolis holiday tradition. The Dayton’s Project Holiday Market brings together local makers, artisan goods, gourmet treats, seasonal décor, and limited-edition gifts, all within the beautifully restored downtown space.
Wander through curated vendor stalls, explore the festive window displays along Nicollet Mall, and enjoy the nostalgic charm that has made Dayton’s a Twin Cities holiday staple for generations.
🎁 Open daily | Shopping, food vendors, special pop-ups & holiday photo ops
More details → The Daytons Project Instagram
Parc Shop – North Loop, Minneapolis
A beautifully curated boutique known for its modern, minimalist clothing and elevated everyday essentials, Parc is a staple of North Loop shopping. Each piece feels timeless, intentional, and effortlessly chic—making it a go-to stop for meaningful holiday gifting.
Explore → shopparc.com
The Foundry Home Goods – Minneapolis (North Loop)
A minimalist’s dream and a treasure trove for intentional living. The Foundry curates timeless, high-quality home goods—from hand-poured candles to ceramic serveware—that make beautiful, meaningful gifts.
Explore → thefoundryhomegoods.com
Brick + Linen – Wayzata
📍 810 Lake Street E, Wayzata
Warm, layered, and effortlessly elevated—Brick + Linen is a lifestyle boutique that brings modern Midwest charm to the heart of Wayzata. You’ll find a curated mix of home décor, textiles, furniture, and gifts that blend cozy textures with clean, intentional design.
Perfect for thoughtful gifting or reimagining your own home this season, Brick + Linen captures the spirit of comfort meets sophistication that so many Wayzata homes embody.
Explore → bricklinen.com
Downtown Excelsior Boutiques
Stroll down Water Street in Excelsior for charming, walkable shopping surrounded by holiday lights. You’ll find independent boutiques and specialty shops, including:
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Golden Rule Gallery – Artful goods and artisan pieces with a story.
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Gray Home + Lifestyle – Beautiful, cozy essentials for the home.
Grab a coffee from 318 Café and make an afternoon of it. It’s everything we love about local life — community-focused, creative, and genuine.
Explore more shops → Excelsior-Lake Minnetonka Chamber
❤️ Give Back This Holiday Season
The holidays are also a perfect reminder of how connected we are as a community. Here are a few meaningful ways to give your time, resources, or energy this season:
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Loaves & Fishes – Volunteer to serve meals across the metro to those experiencing food insecurity.
Volunteer → loavesandfishesmn.org -
The Salvation Army Twin Cities – Support local families with Thanksgiving and Christmas meal baskets or gift drives.
Get involved → salvationarmy.org -
Avivo’s Adopt-A-Family Program – Sponsor holiday gifts or essentials for local families working toward stability.
Learn more → avivomn.org -
Hands On Twin Cities – Browse a full list of seasonal volunteer opportunities around the metro.
See opportunities → handsontwincities.org
Whether you’re gathered by the lake, shopping a favorite North Loop boutique, or lending a hand at a community meal, the holidays here remind us what makes Minneapolis and its suburbs so special — connection, kindness, and genuine care for one another.
Here’s to a season filled with gratitude, light, and meaningful moments.
